WORLDWIDE – Condoms, once considered contraband, are assuming an ever-larger role in the cultural dialogue. Here are just a few ways the safe-sex standbys are hitting the world stage.
—Non-governmental organization Population Services International plans to distribute approximately 250,000 condoms during the upcoming Water Festival in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Rates of sexually transmitted infection typically soar immediately following the festival, which sees a huge number of men from outer provinces visiting brothels after racing boats in the capital city.
Source: The Phnom Penh Post
—Condom USA in Coconut Grove, Fla. is conducting its own form of push polling during this presidential election season. Candidate-themed condoms indicate a clear winner on Nov. 4, with the Obama version vastly outselling McCain's. The prophylactics, manufactured by a company called Practice Safe Policy, come in themed packaging. Obama's reads "Use with Good Judgment," while the McCain wrapper is emblazoned with "Old but Not Expired." The newest addition to the collection is the Palin edition, which bears the words "When Abortion is Not an Option" next to a photo of a moose.
Sources: The Coconut Grove Grapevine and Practice Safe Policy
—Brown University organization Medical Students for Choice is raising funds by sending "condom-grams" for Halloween. The gifts, which students can purchase for each other, also contain chocolate and a holiday greeting. Medical Students for Choice plans to use the money collected to educate its members about reproductive health issues.
Source: College OTR
—Last week, San Francisco-based group Project Inform hosted a condom fashion show to raise public awareness of HIV-related issues. Why a fashion show? The group's deputy development director, Henry Lucero, told the San Francisco Chronicle, "It's catchy and different and the organization is all about prevention, so what better way?" Designers used the safe-sex devices as accessories, hot-gluing them to gowns, painting them to look like feathers, and dangling them from tulle headdresses. The event also featured an appearance-and a design-by former Project Runway contestant Jack Mackenroth.
Sources: San Francisco Chronicle and Examiner.com
